Roman Cavalry - Equites Batavi Iuniores

History
A unit loosely based on the Batavian forces used by Rome. A Horse unit called the Equites Batavi Iuniores is mentioned in the Notitia Dignitatum, a 5th century register of Roman government positions and military commands. This Horse unit was a vexillationes palatinae unit and part of the Gallic command.
The Batavians were first mentioned by Julius Caesar in his commentary Gallic Wars, as living on an island formed by the Rhine River after it splits, one arm being the Waal the other the Lower Rhine/Old Rhine. The strategic position, the high bank of the Waal -- which offers an unimpeded view far into Germania Transrhenanum (Germania Beyond the Rhine) - was recognized first by Drusus, who built a massive fortress (castra) and a headquarters (praetorium) in imperial style. The latter was in use until the Batavian revolt.
The last mention of the Batavians was in 355 during the reign of Constantius II (317 - 361), when their island was already dominated by the Salii, a Frankish tribe that had sought Roman protection there in 297 AD after having been expelled from their own country by the Saxons.

Comments
This unit is also known as Chlodio’s Batavian Horse on my gaming table. While they have a somewhat uniform appearance due to their shields, these fellows have been known to play both sides of table... for a little gold Chlodio will do almost anything.The figures in the unit shown are from Gripping Beast.